Electronic signature vs digital signature: what's the difference?
Quick answer: An electronic signature is any electronic mark you use to sign, such as a drawn, typed or pasted signature. A digital signature is a specific type of electronic signature that uses a certificate and encryption to prove who signed and that the document was not changed afterward. Every digital signature is electronic, but most electronic signatures are not digital signatures.
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The two terms get mixed up all the time, even by the people sending you documents. The short version: "electronic signature" describes what you are doing (signing without paper), while "digital signature" describes a particular security technology behind some signatures.
Below you will find a side-by-side comparison, plain-English explanations of how each one works, which one everyday documents actually need, and how to add an electronic signature to a PDF with Quick PDF, including what Quick PDF does not do.
Decide which signature you need and sign your PDF
- Read the sender's instructions Look for words like "e-sign", "sign and return", "certificate", "digital ID" or "wet signature". They tell you which kind is expected.
- If an electronic signature is fine, open the PDF in Quick PDF Go to quickpdfapp.com, sign in, and open the PDF from your device.
- Tap Sign and create your signature Draw it, type it in a script font, or upload a photo of your pen signature, then pick black, blue or dark red ink.
- Place it and save the file Tap the signature line, resize to fit, then Download or Share the signed PDF.
- If a certificate-based digital signature is required, ask the sender Ask which signing service or digital ID they expect. Quick PDF does not create certificate-based digital signatures.
Side-by-side comparison
| Electronic signature | Digital signature | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Any electronic mark used to sign: drawn, typed, image, or a click on "I agree" | A cryptographic signature tied to a certificate that identifies the signer |
| What you see | Usually your signature on the page | Often a signature on the page plus a signature panel showing certificate details |
| Proves who signed | Through context: your email, account, records kept by the parties or by a signing service | Through the certificate, typically issued by a trusted certificate authority or an organization |
| Shows if the file changed later | Not by itself | Yes: software can detect changes made after signing |
| Effort | Seconds, no special setup | Needs a digital ID or certificate and compatible software |
| Typical uses | Leases, job offers, school forms, contracts, invoices | Some government, regulated industry, legal and cross-border documents |
How an electronic signature works
An electronic signature is about intent: you adopt a mark as your signature on a document. Drawing your name with a finger, typing it in a script font, or placing a photo of your pen signature all count. In the US, the ESIGN Act and the UETA generally give electronic signatures the same legal effect as handwritten ones for most transactions (general information, not legal advice; exceptions include wills and some court and notarized documents).
On its own, a simple electronic signature does not prove identity or lock the file. That is why online signing services add an audit trail: records of email addresses, timestamps and IP addresses showing who signed when. When you sign a PDF yourself and send it back, the email thread and the copies each side keeps play a similar role.
How a digital signature works
A digital signature uses public-key cryptography. In simple terms:
- The signer has a digital ID made of a private key (kept secret) and a certificate (public) that says who they are.
- When signing, software creates a fingerprint (a hash) of the document and locks it with the private key.
- Anyone opening the file can use the certificate to check that fingerprint. If even one character changed after signing, the check fails and the reader shows a warning.
That is what makes digital signatures tamper-evident and useful where proof of identity matters. In the European Union, the eIDAS rules describe higher levels of electronic signatures that rely on this kind of technology. The trade-off is setup: the signer needs a certificate and software that supports it.
Which one do you actually need?
- Someone emailed you a lease, offer letter or form to sign and send back: an electronic signature is usually what they want. See sign a lease electronically and sign a contract electronically.
- You need several people to sign and a record of who signed when: use an e-signature service with an audit trail.
- The instructions mention a digital ID, certificate or a specific signature field you must complete: you need a certificate-based digital signature from the tool the sender names.
- The document must be notarized or signed in ink: neither will do; follow the sender's process.
If you are unsure, ask whoever asked you to sign. It takes one email and avoids having to sign twice.
Where Quick PDF fits
Quick PDF's Sign tool adds an electronic signature: an image of your signature placed on the page, drawn, typed in one of six script fonts, or uploaded. You can save it for next time, place it on any page, add the date with Add text, and fill the rest of the form.
To be clear about the limits: Quick PDF does not create certificate-based digital signatures, does not produce an audit trail or signing certificate, and cannot send documents to other people for signature. It fits the everyday case: you receive a PDF, you sign it, you send it back. Your file is opened and processed in your browser and stays on your device. For the full steps, see how to sign a PDF.
Common myths
"A typed name is not a real signature"
Under US law, a typed name can be a valid electronic signature when you intend it as your signature. Some requesters still prefer a drawn one.
"Digital signature just means signing on a computer"
People often use it that way, but technically it means the certificate-based method. If a sender says "digital signature" casually, they usually mean an electronic one; ask if unsure.
"An image signature can be copied, so it is worthless"
A pen signature can be copied too. What gives a signature weight is your intent and the records around it, which is why keeping your own copy of signed documents matters.
Questions people ask
Is a digital signature more secure than an electronic signature?
For proving who signed and that the file was not changed, yes. A certificate-based digital signature can be checked by software, while a simple electronic signature relies on records kept by the people involved or by a signing service.
Are electronic signatures legally binding in the US?
Generally yes for most documents, under the federal ESIGN Act and the UETA adopted by most states. Exceptions include wills and some court and notarized documents. This is general information, not legal advice.
Does Quick PDF create digital signatures?
No. Quick PDF adds electronic signatures, meaning an image of your drawn, typed or uploaded signature placed on the page. It does not add certificate-based digital signatures or an audit trail.
How can I tell if a PDF has a digital signature?
PDF readers that support certificate signatures usually show a signature panel or banner saying the document is signed and whether the signature is valid. A plain signature image on the page does not show that panel.
Do I need a certificate to sign a lease or job offer?
Usually not. Most landlords and employers accept an electronic signature on a PDF or use their own e-signature service. If they require a certificate, their instructions will say so.
Is a scanned handwritten signature electronic or digital?
It is an electronic signature. It is a picture of your signature on a digital document, without a certificate behind it.
Do I have to pay to use Quick PDF?
You can open a PDF and edit, sign or fill it after signing in with Google or email. To download, print or share the finished file you start a subscription with a free trial: 7 days on the yearly plan ($29.78 per year) or 2 days on the monthly plan ($2.99 per month). You are charged when the trial ends unless you cancel, and you can cancel anytime.
Sign in with Google or email and start editing. Saving your file starts a free trial: 7 days on yearly ($29.78/yr) or 2 days on monthly ($2.99/mo). Cancel anytime. 🔒 Your file stays on your device.